Greater Bethany Neighborhood
This is one of a series of articles about what is happening in neighborhoods around the Portland Metro area. Contact us to find out what is happening in your neighborhood.
Greater Bethany takes joy in service
Bethany Village
The Bethany Neighborhood fosters joy and community building through acts of kindness and service. We pride ourselves on our many collaborative and multi-generational efforts to bring respect, unity and peace to our neighborhood:
Hands On Greater Portland service project
Virtues Summer Concert at Bethany Village (2009)
Book Study at Barnes and Noble (2008)
Invite someone new for dinner campaign
Pancakes and Prayers meeting
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration for Washington County
Ongoing children’s classes, a junior youth spiritual empowerment program, study circles and devotional gatherings-- all open to friends and neighbors
Other news and notes: A member of the Bethany neighborhood, Janet, has been involved for many years as the host of the "Baha'i Perspectives" television program that is broadcast on various channels in the Portland metro area. And another Bethany neighbor, Pamela, has volunteered her graphic design work in creating pamphlets, brochures, fliers signs, t-shirt logos for many Baha'i projects and programs, as well as for several Baha'i websites.
Worshiping together
This was Gayle’s first Feast, co-hosted by Debra Nepple, after the passing of her husband last year. The program was beautiful. Selected Baha’i Writings were printed on scrolls of large craft paper and tied with a ribbon for each reader. The spiritual food was provided by chants and songs and prayers for our loved ones, the LSA representatives carried the program forward, into a delicious meal for the social portion.
Educating the children
Bethany Neighborhood Children's Classes are going strong and full of joy. Teachers, parents and helpers all make it possible. And Grandparents too! Guests and visitors are always welcome. Last Spring the Junior Youth assisted our young students learn to "Tread ye the path of Justice, ...the straight path." We meet every other Sunday afternoon
Serving the community
The Baha'is of Washington County have been represented on the Inter-Religious Acton Network of Washington County by a member of the Bethany neighborhood for several years, and Bethany Baha'i neighbors have been involved with the planning of IAN events, including the Washington County Mayors Interfaith Luncheon, Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, and Washington County Dr Martin Luther King Jr Celebrations. Members of the Bethany neighborhood also participated in the Art Fair at the Beaverton Baha'i Center this summer. Baha'is collaborated with the New Thought Center For Spiritual Living to co-sponsor the Virtues Summer Camp. A Baha'i delegation visited Representative David Wu to raise awareness of the fate of the Baha'is imprisoned in Iran.
Celebrating together
Bethany neighborhood hosted the Nov 12, 2010 observance of the Birth of Baha'u'llah.
Baha’is around the world are working with their neighbors to build spiritual neighborhoods, to strengthen these communities to take charge of their own spiritual, social and intellectual development. We invite everyone interested to help build a healthy rhythm of community life:
Building friendships
Getting together for devotional gatherings
Channeling the energy of the junior youth into positive action
Studying together to develop our individual and collective capacities
Applying principles in service to humanity
Contact us to learn more.